Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort Cairns, Cairns ∞ Discover spa retreats, reviews & deals for 2025

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About Resort

57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, Australia

Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort Cairns is a lively 4-star destination known for its vibrant nightlife and expansive amenities, including a large resort pool, multiple dining options, and two nightclubs. This accommodation offers a blend of luxury and comfort, designed to cater to both solo travelers and groups.

Rooms & Amenities

Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort Cairns features a variety of accommodations, from shared dorms to private hotel rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy modern lounges and kitchens on every floor, creating a welcoming environment for socializing and relaxation.

Dining Options

Dining options include Gilligan’s Kitchen, serving pub-style meals daily, and a bar providing beverage specials throughout the week. The Beer Hall offers a casual setting for guests to enjoy food and drinks while catching live sporting events on large screens.

Leisure Activities

Recreational facilities at Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort include a large swim-up pool bar and a vibrant indoor nightclub. Additionally, the hotel's signature pool parties featuring guest DJs add to the lively atmosphere, attracting both locals and guests.

Location & Transportation

For convenient transportation, nearby bus stops are located within minutes of the hotel, allowing easy access to local attractions. Notable nearby sites include Cairns Aquarium, Rusty's Markets, and the Cairns City Library, enhancing the guest experience with local culture and entertainment.

“The hostel is perfectly situated just a five-minute walk from the marina and surrounded by great restaurants, shops, and bars.”view full review

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“Exciting atmosphere with great amenities for exploring!” view full review

Top location:Highly rated by recent guests(9.2)

Check-in/Check-out

from 14:00-23:59

until 10 am

Amenities

Public parking is possible at a location nearby at AUD 12 per day.

Wireless internet is available in the hostel rooms for free.

Other information

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cribs provided in a room.

Pets are not allowed.

English, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Catalan, Japanese, Korean, Irish

Year renovated:2010

Number of floors:4

Number of rooms:112

Former name

gilligans backpacker hotel and resort

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Dormitory Room Mixed

Max:

1 person

220 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Private Bathroom Dormitory Room Mixed

Max:

1 person

220 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Balcony

room details

Check Prices

Deluxe Dormitory Room Mixed

Max:

1 person

220 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Single bed

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore a range of transportation options for your spa getaway

City Center

Cairns2000 ft

Airports

Cairns (CNS) 4.4 mi

Train

Cairns Central Station1400 ft

Bus

Bus stop400 ft

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Affordable Eats

I loved the buffet offered at Gilligan's! For just under $10, you could enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread that changed nightly. One evening featured delicious curry, while another was all about stir fry. There were always a few favorites for those who might not be as adventurous. Eating here was not only a great deal, but the food was also quite good!

MosesTraveler. USA, 2024-08-15Read full review on

Awesome Nightlife

The nightlife at Gilligan's was very nice! The attached club had a great vibe, with sing-along tunes downstairs and a techno atmosphere upstairs. There were drink deals that made for a fun and affordable night out. I appreciate the lively activities like wet t-shirt competitions and pirate bingo, which kept things entertaining and social!

GlennParty. Canada, 2024-09-22Read full review on

Spacious Dorms

I was pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness of my 8-bed dorm! It felt brand new and had all the essentials, including charging ports at the beds. I could relax after a big night out in the common lounge areas available on each floor, which made my stay all the more comfortable.

FredNomad. Australia, 2024-10-30Read full review on

Refreshing Pool Area

The pool area was one of my favorite spots at Gilligan's! It was a fantastic place to unwind after a long day or when the weather wasn’t the best. I enjoyed lounging by the pool, meeting fellow travelers, and it served as a perfect chill-out space amidst all the activities happening in the resort.

DanielExplorer. UK, 2024-11-14Read full review on

What’s included

General

Non-smoking rooms
Paid parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Adults only
Baggage storage
Elevator
ATM/Cash machine
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center
Cycling
Pool tables

Guest Parking

Shared kitchen
Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Car rental
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Night club
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Sitting area
Patio
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Self-catering

Shared kitchen
Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, Australia

Map view

57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, Australia

City landmarks

Green Island

2100 ft

Zoo

Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

2300 ft

Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium

2700 ft

Parks

Muddy's Playground

4600 ft

Parks

Munro Martin Parklands

2500 ft

Public Building

Cairns Regional Council

3400 ft

Church

St Monica's Cathedral

3400 ft

1 Spence St

Cairns Marlin Marina

2300 ft

Great Barrier Reef

Michaelmas Cay

2600 ft

120 Mulgrave Rd

Cairns Showgrounds

5300 ft

Nearby

71/73-75 Esplanade

Cairns Night Markets

1900 ft

Market

Rusty's Markets

1100 ft

Museums

The Cairns Museum

900 ft

Gallery

Cairns Regional Gallery

1500 ft

Libraries

Cairns City Library

2000 ft

52-54 The Esplanade

Cairns Cenotaph

1600 ft

The Esplanade

1876 Landing Party

1600 ft

Gallery

Samurai Gallery Australia

900 ft

1/47 Shields St

Bones and Jones

500 ft

Gallery

KickArts Contemporary Arts

800 ft

Shop 4

Underart Gallery

900 ft

Gallery

Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns

1500 ft

Gallery

Michael Seebeck Gallery

1700 ft

58 Lake St Suite 3-4

Foot and Body Massage

800 ft

Wooroonooran Bartle Frere

Josephine Falls

1200 ft

Shopping Area

Orchid Plaza

800 ft

Shopping Area

T Galleria by DFS

1200 ft

Parks

Anzac Park

2200 ft

Shopping Area

Oceana Walk Arcade

300 ft

Main Street Arcade

Reef Teach

500 ft

Restaurants

Meldrum's Pies in Paradise

200 ft

94 Grafton St

Blackbird Laneway

800 ft

67 Grafton St Oceana Walk Shop 13

Cruze Coffee

400 ft

105 Grafton St

Waffle On Cairns

800 ft

64 Shields St

Jenny's Chinese Kitchen

900 ft

82 Grafton St

Gyorgyi's Delights

1100 ft

74B Sheridan St

Reviews and Ratings <br />

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

74%

loved the resort and would return for another relaxing stay

7.4/10

Very good

Rooms

7.4

Location

9.2

Service

7.4

Dining

6.5

Reese

United Kingdom, February 2025

8.4/10

I had a pleasant stay at this resort spa, which is perfectly situated near the esplanade and shopping areas. The rooms are spacious and clean, and I felt very comfortable throughout my visit. The atmosphere at the pool is fantastic for relaxed lounging. However, the dining options were somewhat basic, and the cleanliness of shared areas left something to be desired at times.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious, clean, and comfortable, providing privacy and a nice view.

Service

10.0

The bar staff were fantastic, especially Kayla, who went out of her way to ensure we had a great experience.

Location

10.0

The resort is in an awesome spot, very central and close to the main attractions and nightlife.

Dining

6.0

Dining was fairly basic and not as impressive as I expected given the place's reputation.

Facilities

7.0

The pool area was well-maintained and a great spot to unwind, but the kitchen could use better cleanliness.

Grace

United Kingdom, January 2025

5.8/10

I had a mix of experiences at this hotel. While the location is quite central and convenient for exploring the town, my stay was overshadowed by several issues. The pool was closed unexpectedly for construction, which was a letdown, and the noise from nearby bars made it hard to sleep. Despite these downsides, the communal kitchen and living areas were decent, which was a plus.

Rooms

5.0

My room was cramped for eight people and lacked sufficient power sockets. The noise from outside was a constant nuisance, and the balcony door didn't shut properly.

Service

5.0

The reception staff had a bit of an indifferent attitude when I raised my concerns about the pool closure. They could definitely improve customer service.

Location

9.0

The location was great, right in the heart of town, making it easy to access shops and restaurants.

Dining

6.0

The kitchen facilities were fairly clean and decent for cooking, but I feel they could do more to ensure guests respect the space.

Facilities

5.0

The closed pool was a significant downside, while the communal areas were good for relaxing. However, the bathrooms needed better cleaning.

Nicholas

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.6/10

I had an amazing stay at this backpackers' resort where everything you need is right at your fingertips! The rooms were spacious and comfortable with great amenities. The lively atmosphere was a plus, although the bar can get a bit noisy for light sleepers. The only downside was dealing with a few cockroaches in the room, which took away from the experience a bit. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy a fun and social environment!

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were fantastic, really spacious, and came with a private balcony. However, they were a little chilly at times since we couldn't control the temperature ourselves.

Service

10.0

The service was excellent! The bar staff were incredible, especially Kayla, who went above and beyond to make sure I had a great time. They were always friendly and ready to help.

Location

9.0

The location is brilliant—right on Grafton Street with easy access to cafes and restaurants. Plus, it has a great bar area and pool for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Dining

7.0

The dining options were decent for the price, with an all-you-can-eat buffet that was good value. It wasn’t gourmet, but it was enough to fill you up!

Facilities

9.0

Facilities were all you could want from a hostel. The communal areas were clean and well-maintained, plus there’s a nice pool area to relax in.

Harry

United Kingdom, December 2024

9.0/10

I had an amazing stay at Gilligan's, which is located right in the heart of Cairns, making it super easy to explore the city. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, complete with ensuites, which felt more like a hotel than a hostel. The nightlife here is vibrant, and while it can get a bit loud, the energy is infectious and perfect for party-goers. However, if you're looking for a quiet retreat, this may not be the best fit for you.

Rooms

10.0

The rooms were impressively spacious with ensuites and balconies, providing a modern and comfortable space.

Service

9.0

Service was top-notch, with staff available 24/7 to help out whenever needed.

Location

10.0

The location on Grafton Street is fantastic, surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a convenient base for day tours.

Dining

7.0

While the dining options were decent, I felt they could improve on variety and freshness, especially at breakfast.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities, including a massive pool and bars, add a fun vibe to the experience—definitely a highlight!

Liam

United Kingdom, December 2024

5.8/10

I had a decent stay at Gilligan's, with a central location and decent communal kitchens. However, the experience was marred by the pool being closed during my stay and a few issues in the room. There were also not enough power sockets for the number of guests, and noise from the bar was a big downside. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend it for those looking for a peaceful stay.

Rooms

5.0

The room had a couple of major issues, such as only two sockets for eight people and a balcony door that didn’t shut properly, letting in noise from the bar.

Service

5.0

The staff's service was not satisfactory, as I was simply told about the closed pool without any compensation or options offered.

Location

8.0

The location is great for accessing the town, but it’s not ideal for relaxation due to the bar noise.

Dining

Facilities

6.0

The kitchens were relatively clean and provided good living space, but the closed pool was a significant letdown.